Pneumococcus refers to a bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae that is found in the upper respiratory tract of humans.

Though it is a common bacteria, it can cause a number of serious illnesses ranging from mild ear and sinus infections to severe pneumonia and meningitis. The severity of pneumococcal infections depend on the age, overall health, and immunization status of the person affected. Understanding the different illnesses caused by pneumococcus can help prevent their occurrence, diagnosis and treatment.

Below are some of the illnesses caused by pneumococcus:.

Pneumococcal pneumonia

This is a severe type of pneumonia caused by pneumococcus. It affects the lungs and can lead to inflammation of the air sacs. Symptoms may include cough with bloody mucus, chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can cause severe complications in children and elderly people.

Otitis media

Also known as middle ear infection, otitis media is a common illness caused by pneumococcus in children. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, and difficulty hearing.

It can be acute or chronic and can lead to complications like ruptured eardrum and hearing loss.

Sinusitis

This is a common infection caused by pneumococcus that affects the sinuses. It can lead to inflammation of the sinus lining, resulting in symptoms such as headache, facial pain, fever, nasal congestion, and cough.

Sinusitis can also be chronic, lasting for more than 12 weeks.

Bacteremia

Pneumococcus can also cause bacteremia, which is an infection of the blood. Bacteremia can lead to sepsis, a severe and life-threatening condition that occurs when the bacteria spread from the bloodstream to other organs in the body.

Symptoms include fever, chills, low blood pressure, and confusion.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a severe and life-threatening condition that is caused by pneumococcus. It affects the membranes surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and confusion.

Meningitis can cause permanent brain damage and death if not treated immediately.

Septic arthritis

Pneumococcus can also cause septic arthritis, which is an infection of the joints. It occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to the joint tissue. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and redness.

Septic arthritis can lead to sepsis if not treated promptly.

Peritonitis

Peritonitis is an acute inflammation of the peritoneum that can be caused by pneumococcus. It is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Peritonitis can cause sepsis and organ failure if not treated promptly.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can cause a cough, which may produce mucus. Pneumococcus can cause acute bronchitis, which typically lasts for a few weeks. Symptoms include coughing, chest discomfort, and fatigue.

Endocarditis

Pneumococcus can cause endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. It can lead to serious heart damage and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It is a rare complication of otitis media, and pneumococcus is one of the bacteria that can cause it. Symptoms include ear pain, redness behind the ear, and swelling.

Mastoiditis can cause serious complications if not treated promptly.